Let Me Call My Mom – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on Let Me Call My Mom, we’re talking about the weird in-between of adulthood, when you realize being 22 feels just like being 18, and 58 feels just like being 30, except now you’re paying taxes, trying to cook something other than eggs, and wondering if you’re supposed to have it all figured out.

From mean girls that never grow up to learning to be smart with your money, we’re covering it all. Karen and Tori get real about the things they’d tell their younger selves,  from money lessons to forgiving yourself for not having it all together, to why your twenties are not a race (even if social media makes it feel that way).

Sign up for our Newsletter! https://letmecallmymompodcast.substack.com/ 

Where to Catch Us:
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw 

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmecallmymompod/?hl=en 

Follow us on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letmecallmymompodcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-910fEMfm6Rj 

Join the Let Me Call my Mom Newsletter: https://letmecallmymompodcast.substack.com/
Email Us: lmcmmpodcast@gmail.com 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ScWZfafvQASzw6lXdkuya?si=69f544cebc824e1e 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-me-call-my-mom/id1839953390 

Follow Tori:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toristerling_/?hl=en 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toridesimone_?lang=en 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvREnrrKuHFePQ4W6UTcgnA 

Newsletter: https://xotori.beehiiv.com/ 

Follow Karen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdesimom/ 

Newsletter: https://karenskindle.beehiiv.com/ 

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen?utm_source=karenskindle.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=week-of-october-20-2025 

After a year away, we’re back — and so much has happened. From a total podcast rebrand to Ross’ prostate cancer diagnosis, Karen’s health journey with Tirzepatide, Tori’s move to the city (and house hunting adventures), and of course, Frankie… there’s a lot to catch up on!

It’s emotional, hilarious, and as always, honest. We’re so happy to be back, grab a coffee (or a water ice 😉) and hang out with us.

Where to Catch Us:
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw 

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmecallmymompod/?hl=en 

Follow us on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letmecallmymompodcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-910fEMfm6Rj 

Join the Let Me Call my Mom Newsletter: https://letmecallmymompodcast.substack.com/
Email Us: lmcmmpodcast@gmail.com 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ScWZfafvQASzw6lXdkuya?si=69f544cebc824e1e 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-me-call-my-mom/id1839953390 

Follow Tori:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toristerling_/?hl=en 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toridesimone_?lang=en 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvREnrrKuHFePQ4W6UTcgnA 

Newsletter: https://xotori.beehiiv.com/ 

Follow Karen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdesimom/ 

Newsletter: https://karenskindle.beehiiv.com/ 

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen?utm_source=karenskindle.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=week-of-october-20-2025 

The work day ends at 1 pm, we don’t make the rules!! In today’s episode of Let me Call my Mom, mother/daughter duo get into fun conversations like the Kelce Family, living forever, strength training, Ninja Creami recipes, and more! We need Ninja, Kylie and Donna Kelce to call us, for Dad to not double down on his smoothie, and for Frankie to learn where to go to the bathroom!

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: “Drive” and “Reverse” by Kate Stewart: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this week: Grilled Herbed Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Super jumbo shrimp and grills them on skewers. I do 2 lbs at a time time, marinate for a few hours, and then grill in a grill basket and serve either hot or cold as an appetizer with mango salsa as a dipping sauce. This is an absolute keeper. 

https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/grilled-herb-shrimp 

You’re officially part of the DeSimone household as mother/daughter duo, Karen and Tori, dive into their favorite DeSimone Family Vacation stories. Some were GREAT, and some were sick (to say the least!). The two catch up on Father’s Day, Ross’s weird smoothies, their ninja creami adventure, book recs, Frankie’s diva moments, and lots of laughs! Enjoy! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: Let’s Pretend This Will Work by Maddie Dawson: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Tori’s Book Rec: Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this week: Peach and Honey Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Ingredients:

1 Baguette

1 1/2 cups Whole Milk Ricotta

1/4 cup Honey

fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1/8 teaspoon Salt (and more for seasoning)

Balsamic Reduction (store bought)

1 ounce Fresh Basil for Garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F

Cut your baguette into 1/4 inch slices. Lay bread slices flat on a baking sheet and spray (or brush) with oil. Season the slices with just a bit of salt. Toast in the pre-heated oven for 8 minutes

Combine the Ricotta, Honey, and Salt in a food processor (with a blade attachment) or high power blender. Pulse until just combined. You don’t want to over mix the ricotta or it will become runny and fall through any air holes in your crostini

Once your crostini has cooled, top them with a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a peach slice, and a basil leaf. Place crostini on a tray and drizzle with balsamic reduction

https://www.scrambledandspiced.com/peach-and-honey-whipped-ricotta-crostini/ 

Just good ol’ fashioned, catching up with mother/daughter duo, Karen and Tori DeSimone! This week Karen and Tori dive into fun topics like ACOTAR walks, their eventful weekends out, James Charles and Bye Sister, getting pulled over, when to wash your bras, and more! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: When the Rain Ends by Mary Ellen Taylor: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Hobby Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xojessciarcz/video/7328468440094657835?_t=8n0IiLMAqC2&_r=1 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this week: Traditional Bolognese

Ingredients:

4 oz diced pancetta

1 sweet onion, diced

¾ cup diced celery

¾ cup diced carrot

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp italian seasoning

1 tsp dried basil

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 small can tomato paste

1 cup broth (vegetable or beef)

1½ - 2 cups milk

salt and pepper

Directions:

Sautee pancetta in dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 mins. Add in diced onion, celery, carrot and cook until softened. Add in garlic and spices. Cook 4-5 minutes. Add in ground meat and cook until no longer pink, crumbling well. Add in tomato paste amd broth and mix well. Stir in milk, salt and pepper, and bring to a low boil. You want it to be soupy at this point.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so until liquid has reduced and flavors have deepened. Adjust spices as necessary. 

Serve over fresh pasta with fresh parmigiana reggiano cheese.

We all know Tori, but today we get to know our mom, Karen!! Karen has so much more to her than meets the eye and today, mother/daughter duo, Tori and Karen, dive into what Karen was like growing up! In this episode you’ll find the meet cute story of Karen and Ross, finance advice, traveling abroad in college, raising kids, and lots of fun, beach life banter. 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: Remarkably Bright Creatures: https://rstyle.me/+_TnKfGp3ODIOaR4VWOLZSw 

All Karen’s Book Recs: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this week: Heath Bar Cookies!! 

Original recipe courtesy of sweettoothsweetlife.com

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1 cup Toffee Heath Bar bits

1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.

Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.

Stir in the chocolate chips and Heath bar bits by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough with a cookie scoop onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake larger cookies for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. ENJOY!

The calm AFTER the storm, and mother/daughter duo Karen & Tori are settling in just fine to life at the beach! Today’s episode is light and fun with their summer bucket list, Karen’s reading goal, a delicious recipe to add to your weekly meal rotation (and a bonus chicken salad recipe), and all the family banter! We hope you love this episode!!! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: The Land of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012  

Karen’s Book Rec: The 6 Night Truce by Hannah Shield https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012   

The Painter from Instagram: @marynavoroshyloart 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this Week: Peanut Noodles

1 lb pasta (rice noodles or soba noodles work too)

Sauce:

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup soy sauce or Tamari

2 Tablespoons Sugar

4 cloves Garlic, Minced

2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Pure Sesame Oil

½ teaspoon ginger (or more to taste)

1 teaspoon Siracha

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil

4 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin (optional)

2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Optional: Any diced raw veggies (onion, bell pepper, asparagus, broccoli) and garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)

It’s MDW and mother/daughter duo, Tori and Karen DeSimone, are sharing the tips on being the hostest with the mostest! But only after an hour of catching up (as if they haven’t been living together!). The duo chats about the passing of Ringo, the beloved family dog, who they miss so much. Tori explores new hobbies as Stride is in full swing down at the Jersey Shore. Of course this episode is loaded with book recs from Karen, questions for your mom, setting boundaries with family members, the easiest spicy margarita recipe for the holiday weekend, and the story of Flat Ross (legend). This is a jam packed episode. Enjoy! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Rec: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012  

Tori’s Book Rec: Leadership, Strategy, and Tactics by Jocko: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012   

The Kid that Watches the Lights Turn Off: @light4079

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this Week: Spicy Margaritas!

• Limeaid
• 2-3 Jalapeños soaked in limeaid (leave overnight) 
• Tajin Rim
• Tequila (or N/A Tequila, or club soda for N/A option)
• Triple Sec (or splash of Orange Juice for N/A option)
• Jalapeño coins 

4 oz jalapeño limeade, 1.5 oz tequila, .5 oz triple sec

Served on the rocks

+ feel free to add anything extra, muddled strawberries, mango puree, peace juice, etc!

We’re growing up and getting older! The pressures of being in our 20’s as a Gen Z/Millenial is vastly different from the pressures of being in our 20’s in Karen’s generation (Gen X/Boomer), so today mother/daughter duo Tori and Karen dive into the topic of navigating your 20’s with hindsight vision. They chat about marriage, kids, and buying a home. Does the timeline really matter? They chat about saying no, and does it ever get easier?? Does imposter syndrome ever go away?? Tune in for this and more, including a run in of one another in the “wild”, Karen’s book recs, how to be crowned king and queen of happy hour, and the best appetizer your guests will love! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Karen’s Book Recs: Kyland by Mia Sheridan https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012  

Flower Pot: https://rstyle.me/+prX8qSq9gQO_T3S3F-u_Rg 

Tori’s Jeans: https://rstyle.me/+zPiUoka3MCD4uccLF5-wIg 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠ 

Recipe this Week:

8 oz Cream Cheese

16 oz Block Vermont Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup diced Raisins

1 cup diced Apricots

1 jar Hot Pepper Jelly: https://rstyle.me/+cGGSGBFne30dHKqVioO_8Q 

Mike’s Hot Honey Drizzle for topping: https://rstyle.me/+fynrUfMLMthyQlc15QP5eg 

Welcome back to Let Me Call my Mom! Today, Tori and Karen dive into creating a home wherever you are! As Tori has moved and Karen now has her upstairs back, both girls have been busy nesting! Karen gives nesting tips to make any house, apartment, dorm, or new space feel like home. They’re joined by Frankie (Karen’s dog) today and dive into the Roast of Tom Brady, answer listener questions, suggest smutty beach reads, trending movies, & more! 

Rate Let Me Call my Mom 5 stars, share with a friend, and leave a review!

New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/ 

Follow on Instagram: @letmecallmymompod 

Carne Asada Tacos:

Ingredients:

2 pounds sirloin steak

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt +|- to taste

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 lemon

1/4 cup soy sauce or gluten free alternative

2 tablespoons white vinegar

Optional toppings for tacos:

pico de gallo

avocado

Cotija cheese / queso fresco

roasted street corn

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together spices, then stir in the oil.

Rub half the spice mixture on one side of the flank steak.

Flip over and rub the rest of the spice mixture on the other side.

Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

Grease a crockpot and pour in half of the juice mixture.

Place the steak in the crockpot and pour the rest of the juice over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Once cooked, remove steak from crockpot and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the steak against the grain.

Gently place steak back in crockpot and mix with juices.

Serve with corn tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado, and cotija!

Karen’s Book Recs: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef0daaa2ae79c78ab10242ac110012 

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠ 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d 

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠ 

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠ 

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠